Tesla has started the year with disappointing numbers and a notable 71% drop in their quarterly profits. But beyond the cold financial data, Elon Musk’s mood during the call call made a discouraging scenario clear. In the midst of a business strategy in crisis, a controversial political alliance and a future full of technological uncertainty, the figure of the tycoon seems to stagger.
A quarter to oblivion in Tesla
Tesla on Tuesday reported a 71% decline in its benefits during the first quarter, due to a strong decrease in sales of electric vehicles. The company registered revenues for 19.3 billion dollars, which represents a 9% drop compared to the same period of the previous year. In total, 362,000 vehicles were produced and more than 336,000 were delivered, although the deliveries of the model 3 and Model and decreased by 12%.
Cybertruck figures, although not officially detailed, fell 24%, reflecting the negative impact of their association with the controversial public image of Musk. Since its launch at the end of 2023, the vehicle has been symbolically linked to the businessman’s extremist positions.
A CEO without enthusiasm and with unclear promises
During the results conference, Elon Musk adopted a dull and defensive tone. He tried to soften the impact of numbers with ads on autonomous taxi services in Texas for June, but made it clear that they would not be expected “Cybercabs”, but simple model and adapted. For many, this revelation was disappointing.
The benefits adjusted by action were just 27 cents, well below the 41 that analysts expected. The only positive note was the 595 million dollars generated by carbon credits, without which Tesla would have registered operational losses.
Doge, Trump and politics as a distraction
While Tesla’s finance wobble, Musk maintains its involvement with Doge (government efficiency department), an entity that has generated mass dismissals in 27 US government agencies and has been accused of undermining vital services. Despite not having a direct legal authority to do so, Musk has insisted on cutting funds and personnel, a measure questioned by experts and legislators.
-During the results call, Musk said that the protests against them are “organized and financed” by people interested in maintaining fraudulent benefits of the State, although it did not present evidence. He also noted that he will retire from Doge in May, but clarified that he will remain linked to the government throughout Trump’s presidency, even when he legally ends in four years.
Uncertain future, inflated expectations
Throughout his career, Musk has tried to divert attention from critical moments with shocking ads. After negative revelations in April 2024, such as the abandonment of the expected $ 25,000 car, Musk announced the development of a robotaxi, whose launch was postponed for autumn and finally disappointed.
On this occasion, he again assured that in June autonomous taxis will be launched in Austin, although he avoided responding clearly about the remote control mechanisms necessary for his operation. The community specialized in autonomous driving estimates that the realization of large -scale cybercabs could take decades, if it becomes concretized.
Social reaction and image decline
Protests against Tesla dealers, acts of vandalism and even federal positions for terrorism against some protesters are the reflection of a growing disapproval of Musk and their actions. His figure has gone from being that of a disruptive innovative to that of an authoritarian magnate with dangerous ties.
Technological promises such as optimus robots in factories by 2025 or totally autonomous driving lack details and generate more skepticism than illusion. The fall in the public image of Tesla and its CEO could directly affect consumers’ purchase decisions.
A revolutionary movement or an announced collapse?
Elon Musk claims to be leading a “revolution”, but for many it is a frontal attack against the pillars of the US system. Although their measures supposedly seek efficiency, the cuts have affected programs such as Social Security and fears what may happen if they continue to advance.
In this context, it is not surprising that Tesla’s enthusiasm is decreasing. Among mediocre financial results, breeding ads, questionable political ties and increasingly erratic leadership, the future of the company – and of its founder – is surrounded by uncertainty.
This article has been translated from Gizmoda US by Lucas Handley. Here you can find the original version.
